Tansy plant offers natural protection for vegetable gardens

Tansy, a toxic wild plant also known as wormwood, can be utilized as a biological agent to protect vegetable gardens from pests. A member of the Asteraceae family, the plant is characterized by round, yellow flower heads and a strong, spicy aroma.

While the plant contains essential oils such as the neurotoxin thujone, which poses a high risk of poisoning and limits its modern medicinal use, its extracts are frequently used as natural insect repellents. Despite its toxicity, the plant serves as a nectar source and food plant for various moths and butterflies according to Nabu. Professionally processed tansy extracts are also found in cosmetics and bath additives.